Sound From Bird Wings Act As a Predator Alarm

An anonymous reader writes "Biologists have discovered that a species of Australian pigeon has a secret way of alerting fellow birds to predators — a 'whistle' emitted by flapping wings when the bird takes off in alarm. The crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) is well known for the abrupt metallic-sounding whistle that it makes on takeoff. Many birds have the ability to make vocal cries to alert other members of their flock, but this is the first study to show that flight noise can also serve as an alarm call."

Re:Shame they're so paranoid

[BrokenHalo]

Now I don't see how the nationality of birds could possibly influence their behaviour towards people, but has anyone else even noticed this?

It might have something to do with the fact that (lots of) French people will kill and eat anything that moves. Evolution at work.

Re:Natural alarm.

[Chris Burke]

In vocal alarm systems, there are practically no costs to producing false alarms.

And a possibility for great reward, as the Blue Jays know well. Bastards love to alarm call right as they're swooping in to the bird feeder.

Anyway, sorry you didn't find it interesting, each to their own.

Yeah, I wouldn't put much stock in the fact that a guy who knows literally nothing about the subject other than what they read in the summary, and is trying to use that vast body of knowledge to prove that they are smarter than researchers in the field, isn't "interested" by his own ill-informed conclusions about what is happening.

I think it's neat. :)

Re:I know the one...

[ekhben]

I am proud to live in a country where we can eat the animals on our national emblem.